In a high-profile case concerning alleged drug smuggling from Pakistan, Ranjit Singh, commonly known as Raja Kandola, was acquitted by the Ludhiana Additional Sessions Court. Kandola, previously labeled as a “drug lord” by Punjab authorities, and his associate Gurnam Singh were cleared of all charges related to heroin trafficking. The court highlighted significant shortcomings in the Punjab Police’s investigation, which ultimately led to the acquittal.
Court’s Observations on Prosecution’s Evidence
The court noted that despite Punjab Police’s claims of Kandola’s involvement with Pakistani-based smugglers while being imprisoned in Kapurthala jail, no concrete evidence substantiated these accusations. The prosecution was unable to establish any verifiable connection between Kandola, Gurnam Singh, and other co-accused individuals.
Key deficiencies highlighted by the court included:
- Lack of Forensic Evidence: A pen drive allegedly containing conversations between Kandola and Singh discussing narcotics trade was presented by the prosecution. However, the pen drive was not subjected to forensic voice matching, and no voice sample of Kandola was collected.
- Failure to Recover Evidence: No mobile phone or any communication device was recovered from Kandola, which could link him to smuggling activities. The investigating officer (IO) failed to collect evidence from Kapurthala Jail or obtain statements from jail personnel.
- Absence of Financial and Documentary Evidence: No bank records, financial transactions, or statements from other individuals were collected to substantiate claims that Kandola financed drug-related activities.
- No Link to Co-accused: The court criticized the prosecution’s inability to demonstrate any material link between Kandola and co-accused individuals like Palwinderjit Singh and Ravinder Singh.
Serious Lapses in Investigation
The court reproached the Punjab Police for what it described as “shoddy” investigative practices. The investigation officer admitted under cross-examination that he could not verify the authenticity of the alleged evidence in the pen drive and was unaware of security protocols in Kapurthala and Tihar jails.
The court further criticized the police’s failure to conduct a narco-analysis or obtain records from telecom companies to verify Kandola’s alleged contacts with Pakistani entities. In addition, Kandola’s counsel argued that the investigation was biased, alleging that his client was falsely implicated by a “tainted” Punjab Police officer, Inderjeet Singh, who was later dismissed for unrelated criminal activities.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to a July 2017 FIR filed under the NDPS Act, following the reported seizure of 5 kg of heroin. Kandola, who holds properties in Punjab, the UK, and the US, has been implicated in multiple drug-related cases and was previously known for allegedly operating an “ICE” drug racket. This acquittal reflects the court’s stance on the lack of procedural rigor and substantive evidence, underscoring the need for thorough and transparent investigations in serious narcotics cases.
This judgment brings to light the crucial importance of solid evidence in criminal cases, especially under the stringent NDPS Act. The court’s findings underscore the legal mandate for law enforcement agencies to uphold investigation standards to ensure accountability and justice.
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